View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Munira have an affair with Lillian?

2. What does Wanja mix with Thang'eta?

3. What does Munira do before he leaves Karega?

4. What did Wanja have to sell to bury her grandmother?

5. Who did Munira's father try to seduce?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Thiongo's life. In what way do you think his life and personality are reflected in the book?

Essay Topic 2

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does the author use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Thiongo use character and dialogue to drive his narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character examine the way Thiongo uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 232 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample